In the final days of August 2025, Hanoi’s streets host continuous joint practices, preliminary rehearsals, and dress rehearsals in preparation for the 80th National Day parade (A80).
Along the parade routes, people arrive early to find good spots to witness the magnificent spectacle. Elderly people, who have seen many of these grand ceremonies before, can't hide their emotions as they watch the solemn marching ranks pass. Their eyes shine, their hands gently clap to the rhythm, and they whisper praise for the younger generation that carries the mission of protecting the country.
It's not just Hanoi residents; a large number of people from all over the country come to the capital to witness these historic events. Convoys of vehicles from various provinces continuously stream into Hanoi, bringing with them the spirit of national solidarity. They come not only as spectators but as children of the nation, sharing one heart and a sacred love for their homeland.
The public's jubilation isn't just a simple festive joy but also shows a deep gratitude toward the generations who sacrificed for the nation's independence and freedom. The A80 grand ceremony is not just an occasion to honor past glorious victories; it is also an affirmation of the resolve to build and protect the nation in a new era./.
The military flag bearer vehicle passes through Nguyen Thai Hoc street and the five-way intersection of Cua Nam during the dress rehearsal for the 80th anniversary of National Day. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
The military's marching formations advance through Nguyen Thai Hoc street and the five-way intersection of Cua Nam during the dress rehearsal for the 80th anniversary of National Day. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
A large crowd gathered on Trang Thi street during the second joint practice on August 27. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Foreign tourists join the local people to watch the marching parade. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Hundreds of phones are held up by people to record and photograph the marching formations and parade. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
The marching formations and parade on Trang Tien Street. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
Hundreds of people gather on street corners and sidewalks along the street to welcome the marching parade. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
People watch with excitement as tanks move along Thanh Nien Street to their staging area. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
The area in front of Quan Thanh Temple is where a large crowd gathers to wait for the military equipment to pass. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
Soldiers interact with the crowd as they pass through Thanh Nien Street. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
People on both sides of Trang Tien Street cheerily welcome the marching formation of the Russian Federation Army. Photo: Cong Dat
Children are especially excited to see the tanks and military equipment. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
The atmosphere is lively as people gather at Cua Nam Street, waiting for the marching parade during the dress rehearsal. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Families of multiple generations watch the marching formations and parade together during the dress rehearsal. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
People bring photos of President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to watch the marching parade. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Despite the heavy rain, people patiently waited in the evening of August 29 to watch the marching parade during the dress rehearsal. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
People hold a flag salute ceremony and sing the national anthem in the August rain. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
The intersection of Dinh Ngang and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets is packed with people. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
People take photos with a female officer from the Female Military Medical Officers contingent before the joint practice. Photo: Hoang Ha/VNP
Despite the long wait, people are all very excited and joyful. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Volunteer students lend a hand during the joint practice and dress rehearsals. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Veteran soldiers adjust their uniforms before heading to the staging area. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
Female Information Officers take a souvenir photo with Hanoi residents on Thanh Nien street before the joint practice. Photo: Hoang Ha/VNP
The vibrant red of a sea of people on Phan Boi Chau street. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
People joyfully watch the marching formations and parade during the dress rehearsal. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
A moment of a soldier meeting his family before the joint practice for the A80 program. Photo: Hoang Ha/VNP
People watch with excitement as tanks move along Thanh Nien Street to their staging area. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
People take advantage of the opportunity to take souvenir photos with a soldier guarding the ceremonial artillery. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
People bring their phones to film and take pictures as they welcome the marching parade. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
People are all very excited and joyful as the military equipment vehicles pass by. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
- Story: Cong Dat Photos: Viet Cuong, Cong Dat, Thanh Giang, Khanh Long, Hoang Ha/VNP Translated by Hong Hanh